Precious Little Talent

Set in New York City and London, this drama explores the culture clash of American optimism with British cynicism, and how a tangled love story can sit somewhere in between. More…

Joey’s got a first-class degree, 20K worth of debt, and works in a pub. Shunned by the world and rejected by her estranged father, she finds herself falling in love with an idealistic young American. 'Precious Little Talent' grapples with the desperation of transatlantic love, identity struggles in a tumultuous political climate, and the consequences of an aging population.

"In addition to its poignant depiction of dementia, and its comic depiction of culture clash, the play also highlights the problems today’s recent grads have entering the workforce. At times it seems to want to take a political turn, but overall the play conveys how unsettled the world can easily become, and the consequences of our decision to share or not share our private struggles with others. All three actors give really fine performances...The play moves along, keeping you engaged."
Full Review

See it if
You like seeing theatre that explores complex relationships and incurable brain diseases that really hook you into the world of the play.

Don't see it if
You’re emotionally triggered by seeing those suffer with dementia. Or if you can’t stand not having perfect closure at the end of the play.

Also
Great acting in the show overall. The direction of the play was very well done also. Mostly impressed with how the two young artists produced and starred in the show. The hard work and dedication truly paid off for them I believe. Can’t wait to see what they do next.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You enjoy finely drawn characters enacted by skilled actors. You enjoy an occasional poetic monologue.

Don't see it if
You want a story that's all tied up in a neat package. You need a lot of action.

Also
Although I grasped the underlying metaphor what interested me the most was the way the playwright revealed the subtleties of the characters' interactions. The character of Sam was so charming I couldn't understand how the girl could resist him. The character of the old man was a superb portrait of someone suffering from dementia.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you want to see an engaging story of an optimistic and a pessimist. The dialogue kept me interested. Nice, simple staging.

Don't see it if
you want a happily ever after or you want your staging very dense.

Also
The stage is inside a church - it feels like the room was a chapel at some point. This fits well with the production, especially the ceiling, but the room itself was very warm - no air conditioner or fans were on (even though I saw hanging fans as we left - maybe they would be too noisy?). Everyone was using their Playbills as fans - it's my only gripe.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you love romantic dramedies. PLT has some sweet moments and appealing actors. But the script betrays its early promise, becoming a muddle.

Don't see it if
you want insights. PLT glides on the surface; many plot points are nonsensical. Some exchanges repeat/annoy. Opening scenes shine.

Also
The worst speech was the old man's in which he asserts that men are "minds" and women are "hearts"...really? Can't women be equally intellectual? And isn't he broken up over his wife's defection? In 2017, I found this generalization off-putting. And if he's so old, how did he have a wife who is young enough to have a new baby (it's possible, but never explained)? And why would anyone with an illness leave England, with its universal healthcare, to live in the USA? And why does Joey, after all that Sam has been to her and her father, refuse to have anything to do with him when he's traveled so far? Just doesn't make sense (and seems inconsistent with her character). Not a convincing nor satisfying plot.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you enjoy seeing a small cast of good actors in a nice small space.

Don't see it if
you need your ending to be clean.

Also
Seems like playwrights have a very tuff time ending plays lately. Overall the play was nice and better than I expected but the ending was all muddled. Trying to not give to much away but the last line of the play was completely wasted and thrown away. The actress (who does a great job) just deliveries this last line in a very flat line fashion. I feel like she needed it to be the biggest line of the play. Say it, mean it and own it. I really thought they missed the boat there but I blame that on the director. I really like the staging of this play. There are a lot of nice tender moments and the acting is good.... Read moreRead less

Also
British playwright, Ella Hickson has written an ambitious little play that doesn't quite make the reach, but still has plenty to recommend it - especially for those who are interested in the careers of young theatre makers who are presenting this production. Chock-a-block with themes and styles (not all that mesh together as one might hope) the play is a combination of rom-com/issue play/disease-of-the-week play/and dysfunctional family drama, and the director does what he can to manage it all, but doesn't quite make it work. The ending is particularly murky and rather abrupt. Nevertheless, the cast is game and mostly winning and Greg Mullevey has some particularly lovely moments (and quite a creditable British dialect). For the experienced theatre-goer, there are worst things you could go see. For friends and family of the cast and crew, it's a delight.... Read moreRead less